Wenger: Give Moyes time

Arsene Wenger has given Manchester United boss David Moyes a vote of confidence ahead of Arsenal's crunch clash with their arch-rivals at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Moyes' start as manager has been far from plain sailing since replacing Sir Alex Ferguson in arguably the most high-profile job in club football, with indifferent results leaving United struggling in eighth in the Premier League.

By contrast Arsenal are enjoying a superb start to the season, leading the league and currently looking like title favourites after impressive back-to-back wins against Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund.

Sunday's clash is vital for both managers - for Wenger it is a chance for Arsenal to prove they are the real deal, while Moyes will be desperate to get United's title challenge back on track and prove their early wobbles are behind them.

While former clashes between United and Arsenal have been preceded by verbal sparring between Wenger and Ferguson, the Frenchman has been quick to compliment Moyes on how he has adapted to a tough situation since taking over.

"You need to give David Moyes time," Wenger said. "He has shown great competence at Everton, he needs time to get a grip of Manchester United, and you can see that in the results.

"When a guy [Sir Alex Ferguson] has been there for 26 years and goes, it takes time for the guy who comes in. It is dangerous and difficult for the guy who comes in. Moyes is handling the situation very well."

On the subject of his old adversary, Wenger admits it will be strange not having Ferguson in the opposite dugout at Old Trafford.

He said: "Our relationship will be more peaceful now, more serene. It will be new. In the last 17 years, it was the case that he was there and yes, it will be a bit strange, but this is still a very, very important game for us."